Career Information At a Glance

If you have an interest in airplanes, you might be interested in a career as an avionic technician, an aircraft mechanic or an air traffic controller. The following chart discusses education requirements and potential salaries for jobs in aviation technology.

Aircraft Mechanic

Air Traffic Controller

Avionic Technician

Degree/Certification Required

FAA certification

Bachelor's degree, or three years work experience

FAA certification

Education Field of Study

Aircraft equipment mechanics

Aviation safety

Aircraft equipment mechanics

Key Skills

Understand aircraft design and structure, maintain aircraft

Notice details, react quickly, concentrate consistently

Test and repair aircraft parts

Job Growth (2012-2022)

2%*

1%*

2%*

Average Salary (2014)

$58,850*

$118,780*

$58,460*

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Aviation Technology Careers Are Available To Me?

Numerous careers are available in the field of aviation technology, all of which command different salaries. If you're interested in servicing aircraft, you might consider becoming an aircraft mechanic or a service technician. If you want to be involved in guiding planes, a career in air traffic control may interest you. Alternatively, you could become an aircraft safety inspector who ensures that vessels are flight-worthy.

What Education Do I Need?

If you have a high school diploma or a GED, you might consider enrolling in an associate or bachelor's degree program in aviation technology or aviation maintenance technology. Such programs prepare you to maintain and repair various types of aircraft, from commercial airplanes to helicopters. You can expect to take courses in aircraft engine systems, aviation electrical systems, rotary wing maintenance, aircraft inspection, air traffic, airport management, aerodynamics and federal aviation regulations. You also may consider training options offered by the military and the Federal Aviation Administration.

If you're interested in a leadership position, you might continue on to a graduate program in aviation technology, aviation safety or business administration with a concentration in aviation. You could manage manufacturing operations, repair stations, flight schedules or even airports.

What Salary Can I Expect?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $57,610 in May 2013 (www.bls.gov). The BLS estimated that most mechanics earned between $36,950 and $79,560 that year. Avionics technicians, who maintain electronic navigation and communication systems, earned an average annual salary of $56,940, while air traffic controllers made $118,650.

What Are My Job Prospects?

Overall, aviation technology is growing gradually as an industry. The BLS projected that the number of jobs available for aircraft mechanics and service technicians would increase two percent from 2012-2022. The BLS stated that the number of air traffic controllers was expected to grow by one percent during the same time frame.